In 1961, after six years as one of the main attractions of
Count Basie's orchestra,
Williams (with
Basie's blessing) went out on his own. One of his first sessions was this live recording, cut at Birdland with a strong quintet that featured trumpeter
Harry "Sweets" Edison and
Jimmy Forrest on tenor.
Williams mostly sings standards and ballads, but also tosses in a few of his popular blues (including "Well Alright, OK, You Win" and "Goin' to Chicago") during a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable set.